• Location of the Hotel
  When making hotel reservations, you may want to find out if the hotel is located near a hospital, police station and etc. These services are great in an emergency, but you might want to stay away from noise when you are there for a holiday.
  
  
• Bring some Travel Books
  Get yourself some travel books to know all the best spots, cheapest restaurants, best food, places to stay, and hundreds of insights about your destination. You may want to photocopy the pages of travel books relevant to the area you are visiting rather than taking the entire book with you to cut down on weight.
   
• Bring a Dictionary
  Get a language translation dictionary and carry it with you. You will find it useful.

• Notify Family, Friends and Relatives
  Before leaving on a trip, make sure that you give all travel information to your family and close friends. If anything should happen while travelling, multiple people know where you are and have a better chance of getting a hold of you and others who might need to reach you.
  
  
• Find Local Friends
  If you have friends staying in the city you are about to visit, why not give them a ring? They live there, so they should have some good tips for you.
  
  
• Do you have a valid Visa?
  Renew your visa or apply for one before departing.
  
  
• Learn some Native Language
  Learn a few essential terms in the native language of the country you are travelling to. For instance, if you are going to a Chinese speaking country "ni hao" means "hello" and "xie xie" means "thank you". Your trip will be more enjoyable in learning a new language and culture.
  
  
• Identify your Luggage
  Place photocopies of your identification in your luggage to help your airline or cruise ship to return it if lost while travelling.
  
  
• Use your own Padlocks
  Use your own padlocks instead of the padlocks supplied with suitcases. It is usually safer. Remember to keep the key(s) in your carry-on luggage.
   
• Another Way to Identify your Luggage
  Tie a colorful ribbon on each of your bags for quick identification at the baggage claim.
  
  
• Photocopy your Identifying Documents
  Photocopy all documents and cards and store it in a secret place in your suitcase. If your wallet is ever stolen, you will know exactly what you have lost and will have all the telephone numbers to call to cancel credit cards and the credit card numbers, etc. at your fingertips.
  
  
• Scan your Identifying Documents
  Instead of photocopying all your important documents and carrying them with you, you can scan everything and email the scans to your email account as attachments. You can use a free web based email such as hotmail.com or yahoo.com so you can access your documents from anywhere in the world.
  
  
• Rent a Wireless Phone
  You can rent a GSM (Global System for Mobiles) wireless phone before you leave your country. For a small amount of cash a day, you can have one phone, with one number that will work in over 92 countries worldwide. These are great for the business traveler, families leaving the kids at home, or anyone who just wants to stay in touch.
  
  
• Convert your Cash
  Convert some of your cash to the currency of the country you are visiting to get a better deal.
  
  
• Regarding Your Passport
  Make sure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your date of travel. A large majority of countries insist that your passport be valid for at least that time period or a year. Make a copy, in case you lose it while on vacation, you can send the copy to your Embassy.
  
  
• Departure Tax
  Find out before you depart whether there is a departure tax, and how much it is. Some countries do charge a small fee and will not let you board your flight without first paying it. It is best to reserve an amount of cash, as credit cards and other forms of payment are not accepted.
  
  
• Arrange for Car Rental Collection
  Reserve your car rental (if necessary) and arrange for collection in your arrival airport.
  
  
• Do you have an International Driving License?
  Get an international driving license (if necessary). Many car rental services insist on an international driving license.
  
  
• Confirm your Reservations
  Be sure your airline tickets and hotel reservation is confirmed, otherwise you may not have a reservation at all.
  

• Use a Compartmented Kit
  Use a compartmented kit that has a hook for hanging cosmetics, medications, razors, toothbrush, toothpaste, soaps etc. This will save space in your luggage bag and can easily be bought at travel stores.

• First Aid Supplies
  Pack some medicine and first aid supplies to fight off colds, flu, fever, etc.
   
• Bring a Pen
  Always take a pen with you. During the journey you might need to fill in customs formulations before landing.
   
• Wear a Sweater or Jacket
  You may want to wear a jacket or sweater with you instead of packing it in your suitcase. You may need it in the airplane. In fact, this can reduce weight of your suitcase and maximize your space utilization.
   
• Bring some Films
  If you are going to a popular tourist attraction, buy your film at home. This is definitely more convenient and saves cost. You might miss some beautiful spots while trying to get hold of films.
   
• Plastic Bags
  Remember to bring some empty plastic bags. These can be very useful when packing used undergarments, dirty socks and etc.
   
• Bring an Extra Bag
  Remember to bring an extra bag to pack your clothes for laundry.
   
• Roll your Clothes
  In order to save space and avoid wrinkles, the best way is to roll your clothes.
   
• Packing a Flashlight
  When packing a flashlight, change the batteries around so that if the on switch is accidentally turned on, the flashlight will not go on. Upon needing the flashlight, just reverse the batteries into their correct position.
   
• Pack some Snacks
  Carry some chocolates, breads or snacks with you when travelling so you are not forced to eat in airport restaurants or snack stands.
   

3. "To Bring" Checklist

3. When Traveling

• Request for Maps
  You can request brochures, maps, tourist attraction places, destinations, etc. from hotels if you did not bring any.
  
  
• Secure your Valuables
  Keep your valuables in your handbag, not in your luggage bag.
   
• Keep Small Change
  Always keep small change in your wallet and large amount of money in one of your handbag compartments. Strangers might be eyeing on you when you pull out a large amount of money from your wallet.
   
• Use Credit Card
  Try to use your credit card instead of cash most of the time. You will find it a lot easier and avoid the hassle to convert the local currency.
   
• Queue for Taxis
  Try not to take taxis that seemed to be hanging around. Try to travel with hotel’s taxis, limousines or queue for taxis instead.
   
• Secure your Passport
  Do not carry your passport around everywhere you go. You may leave the passport in the hotel’s electronic safe.
   
• Confirm your Return Flight
  Confirm your return flight few days before the end of your scheduled traveling.